Neighbor's German Shepherds bark when left alone. How to stop it?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Help! We have a neighbor who otherwise is quite tolerable or even nice at times. The problem is they have 2 German shepherds that they put in an upstairs room when they leave the house with the windows a little bit open. If we or any other neighbors walk out onto their driveway or lawn or whatever the dogs really get to barking. As you know, the German shepherd bark is one of the loudest for a reason of them being protector type dogs. I'm going to try the "Quiet" command as the article suggests.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 13th, 2019
I really don't think you telling them to be quiet is going to work. Maybe you should suggest to the neighbor that they try using citronella collars on the dogs to curb the barking: ( https://www.amazon.com/Downtown-Pet-Supply-Citronella-Anti-Bark/dp/B00987HPFO )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 3rd, 2018
I typically recommend using a spray bottle filled with water and spritzing him in the face while saying "no bark!" at the same time when he is barking. This is typically quite effective. You can also use an empty can, fill it with coins and whenever he barks, throw the can near him and say "no bark!". My dog was quite stubborn with barking and the can trick worked for him, not the water. I hope this helps! You can also look into citronella collars that are triggered when the dog barks. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 7th, 2019
Barking can be a very difficult behavior to control as you know. It sounds like you have tried many options. There are collars and devices that can help control barking. The collar options include shock collars with give a static correction when the pet barks, vibrate when it detects barking or spray collars that squirt fluid when pets bark. There are also devices that you place in the home that will emit an ultrasonic sound that pets don’t like when it detects barking. I recommend to read the product reviews carefully. You don’t want a product that malfunctions or gives unneeded corrections. You could also work with a trainer who may be more successful. Best of luck! I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 13th, 2017
This can be very frustrating. I would recommend starting with increase exercise. Most dogs have mild anxiety or built up energy which will cause a lot of barking. Typically I recommend walking or running multiple times a day to help decrease energy. Second, you could try an adaptil collar or plug in. This is a collar that has pheromones present to help calm and relax out canine patients. Also composure is available online and is a supplement that can help with anxiety. If this does not work I would recommend consulting your vet to discussed possible medications to decrease the barking. I will say training will be a very important part in solving the problem. Hope that helps
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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